Leeds United: Bellusci loan deal made permanent

Phil Hay

Leeds United have made Giuseppe Bellusci’s transfer to Elland Road permanent, a week after signing the defender on a season-long loan from Catania.

In an unexpected development, Bellusci signed a four-year contract today, committing himself to Leeds until the summer of 2018.

United negotiated an option to take Bellusci on a full-time basis next summer but have now paid an undisclosed fee to activate that redemption clause without the centre-back making a single appearance.

The decision frees up space for another loanee in Leeds’ squad, with the club still looking to make further signings before the end of the transfer window.

Bellusci was one of three loan signings at Elland Road, alongside Catania forward Souleymane Doukara and AC Milan’s Zan Benedicic.

Among the players being targeted by United is Brazilian midfielder Adryan - currently on loan at Cagliari from Flamengo.

Football League rules limit clubs to a maximum of five loanees in their 18-man matchday squads.